Stress Management Counseling

We live in a time of stress epidemic. Much has been studied of the positive and negative effects of stress on body and mind.

Stress can send us into a downward spiral of negativity, anxiety, depression and anger. Excessive mental and emotional pressure builds up. Over time, stress can begin to hurt our health, and lure us back into unhealthy habits or maladaptive coping responses (such as substance abuse, addiction issues, or aggressive behaviors). We all experience stress differently. People are affected emotionally, mentally and physically.

The National Institute of Mental Health describes three types of stress: routine stress related to the pressures of work, family and other daily responsibilities; stress brought about by negative change such as job loss or change, divorce or illness; and traumatic stress experienced in an event like a major accident, war, assault and natural disaster.

Even happy events such as marriage or the birth of a child can be stressful. For many Americans, job demands are a top source of stress. Threats of terrorism, layoffs and catastrophes add to our troubles. Stress can spill onto our loved ones and friends and damage relationships too.

Most people need help managing stress. Urban Balance offers a range of strengths-based counseling techniques to help you relax more, face the pressure, gain perspective and improve emotional control.

Urban Balance therapists employ practical techniques such as CBT and DBT skills to help clients restructure thinking, set healthy boundaries, and break unhealthy habits. We also teach mindfulness skills to help clients reduce stress and anxiety (breath work, movement, and simple meditation exercises).

Stress is unavoidable. Seeking help to manage stress is good for mind, body and spirit.

Seeing a therapist is not a personal failure or weakness. If you need resources and counseling to help reduce stress, contact the Urban Balance Intake Coordinator, or find a wide range of specialty areas and professional counselors to talk to using our therapist directory.